Top 11 Adventure Bikes on the Market in 2025 You Should Look at Now, and Why

Sep 10, 2025

There are a lot of reasons riders start looking into adventure motorcycles, but most of the time, it comes down to wanting a bike that opens up more possibilities. Some people are thinking about longer trips, others want something that can handle more than just smooth pavement, and plenty just like the feel and flexibility these bikes offer. Whatever the reason, the adventure category has only grown in options, and it’s made picking the right one a little more complicated. In this blog, we’re taking a closer look at the best adventure motorcycles on the market right now, with real details on what each bike offers and who it’s actually built for.

What Is an Adventure Bike? And What Makes It Different?

An adventure bike is a motorcycle designed to handle both paved roads and rougher terrain, combining long-distance touring comfort with the build of a lightweight off-roader. People often refer to this style of bike as an on-road off-road motorcycle because it’s meant to handle both pavement and dirt without needing to change anything. That kind of flexibility usually comes from things like taller suspension, upright seating, and enough room for bags or other gear when you're out longer than planned. While some models lean more toward trail performance and others focus more on highway comfort, every adventure bike is built to cover more ground and take on more types of roads than most bikes in its class.

11 Best ADV Motorcycles in 2025

1. Honda XL750 Transalp
2. KTM 790 Adventure
3. Yamaha Ténéré 700
4. Moto Morini X-Cape 650
5. BMW F 900 GS
6. CFMOTO Ibex 800 S
7. Ducati Multistrada V2 Rally
8. Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer
9. Royal Enfield Scram 411
10. Suzuki V-Strom 800 Tech
11. Kawasaki Versys 650 LT

If something on this list catches your eye, check out adventure bike rentals on Riders Share to see what’s available near you. You can browse by location, compare models, and book the one that fits your style.

1. Honda XL750 Transalp

$9,999 MSRP

If you like the idea of the Africa Twin but want something easier to manage day to day, the Transalp is a much more approachable option. It shares the same engine as the CB750 Hornet but runs it with softer delivery, which makes it feel more controlled on loose surfaces and smoother in stop-and-go traffic. The suspension has enough travel to soak up bumps on unpaved roads without making the bike feel too tall or heavy. It stays calm at highway speeds, has good wind protection, and feels predictable in the corners. It’s the kind of bike that doesn’t demand much from the rider but still shows up when the ride gets tricky.

Specs:

• Engine: 755cc parallel twin
• Weight: 459 lbs (wet)
• Seat Height: 33.7 in
• Suspension Travel: 7.9 in (front), 7.5 in (rear)
• Features: TFT dash, ride modes, optional quickshifter

2. KTM 790 Adventure (2025)

$10,999 MSRP

The updated KTM 790 still leans heavily toward dirt performance, but this version feels smoother and more settled than earlier models. The engine delivers power in a way that’s easy to manage off-road without feeling flat on pavement, and the low-mounted fuel tank keeps the weight where it should be when the road gets rough. The controls feel sharper than before, especially when cornering or transitioning between surfaces. For riders who want something capable in technical conditions but also comfortable enough to load with gear and ride for hours, this version of the 790 strikes a balance that works.

Specs:

• Engine: 799cc parallel twin
• Weight: 469 lbs (wet)
• Seat Height: 33.5 in
• Suspension: Fully adjustable WP Apex
• Features: Cornering ABS, traction control, off-road ride mode

3. Yamaha Ténéré 700

$10,999 MSRP 

This version of the Ténéré 700 keeps everything that makes the original popular and makes it easier to live with day to day. The lower seat height helps more riders get comfortable right away, and the slightly softer suspension feels better on long rides or bumpy pavement. The CP2 engine is smooth through every gear and delivers just enough torque to feel responsive without being difficult to control. It still handles gravel and dirt confidently, but the added windscreen and suspension tweaks make it feel a little more relaxed, especially on longer stretches.

Specs:

• Engine: 689cc parallel twin
• Weight: 452 lbs (wet)
• Seat Height: 34.2 in
• Suspension Travel: 8.1 in (front), 7.5 in (rear)
• Features: Touring windscreen, lowered suspension, no electronic rider aids

4. Moto Morini X-Cape 650

$7,999 MSRP

Most people haven’t heard of this Moto Morini X-Cape 650, but it deserves more attention than it gets. The seating position feels natural and upright without pushing you too far forward, and the windscreen actually works well at highway speeds. The TFT display is easy to read in bright light, and the brakes offer more feedback than you'd expect at this price point. The engine has a softer feel that works well for newer riders or anyone who wants to keep things smooth in traffic. It’s not built for hard off-road riding, but for commutes, side roads, and the occasional gravel stretch, it holds its own.

Specs:

• Engine: 649cc parallel twin
• Weight: 470 lbs (wet)
• Seat Height: 32.3 in
• Suspension: Adjustable front and rear
• Features: 7-inch TFT display, Brembo brakes, slipper clutch

5. BMW F 900 GS

$17,959 MSRP

BMW finally gave the F 900 GS the overhaul it needed, and it shows as soon as you get on the bike. It feels lighter and more responsive than the older 850 platform, especially off pavement where the new frame and geometry make the handling feel sharper. The 895cc twin has plenty of low-end pull, but it also holds steady at highway speeds without feeling buzzy or overworked. The suspension is tuned with off-road in mind, and the seat has a narrower shape that makes it easier to move around while standing. Compared to the larger GS models, this one feels more like a true middleweight that actually wants to be ridden off-road.

Specs:

• Engine: 895cc parallel twin
• Weight: 482 lbs (wet)
• Seat Height: 34.2 in
• Suspension Travel: 9.1 in (front), 8.5 in (rear)
• Features: Enduro Pro riding mode, 21-inch front wheel, adjustable suspension

6. CFMOTO Ibex 800 S

$9,499 MSRP

The CFMOTO Ibex 800 S stands out because of how much it offers without cutting corners. The engine comes from KTM, so the power feels smooth and familiar, but the rest of the bike has its own identity. The seat is wide and supportive, the display is large and easy to read, and the bike feels stable at speed without being hard to handle in traffic. You get cruise control, adjustable suspension, and even a quickshifter as standard, all features that usually cost extra. It’s built more for street and light gravel than serious trail riding, but for the price, it’s hard to find anything that matches it.

Specs:

• Engine: 799cc parallel twin (KTM-derived)
• Weight: 509 lbs (wet)
• Seat Height: 32.5 in
• Suspension: Adjustable KYB (front and rear)
• Features: Cruise control, quickshifter, TFT display

7. Ducati Multistrada V2 Rally

$16,595 MSRP

This is a touring bike at heart, but it carries just enough ADV capability to handle rough roads without hesitation. The V2 Rally version adds more fuel range, longer suspension travel, and a more relaxed riding position compared to the standard V2. It’s built for comfort over distance, with wide bars, adjustable wind protection, and a low center of gravity that keeps the bike from feeling top-heavy. The 937cc twin delivers steady torque across the rev range, and the electronics package keeps everything smooth without getting in the way.

Specs:

• Engine: 937cc Testastretta L-twin
• Weight: 507 lbs (wet)
• Seat Height: 33.5 in
• Fuel Capacity: 7.9 gallons
• Features: Semi-active suspension, cornering ABS, hill hold control

8. Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer

$23,795 MSRP

The Triumph Tiger is a full-size touring bike with ADV styling and long-distance comfort built in. The GT Explorer version comes with a 7.9-gallon tank, electronic windscreen, and heated grips right out of the box. The triple-cylinder engine delivers strong power through the midrange, which makes it easy to carry speed without needing to downshift constantly. The shaft drive reduces maintenance and keeps the ride smooth on longer trips. It’s not built for serious trail riding, but for riders who want a road-focused ADV bike that can carry gear and cover miles, this one checks the boxes.

Specs:

• Engine: 1160cc inline triple
• Weight: 575 lbs (wet)
• Seat Height: 34.4 in
• Fuel Capacity: 7.9 gallons
• Features: Shaft drive, cruise control, blind spot radar

9. Royal Enfield Scram 411

$5,099 MSRP

The Scram 411 keeps the same air-cooled single-cylinder engine as the Himalayan, but the overall feel is quicker, lighter, and more at home in the city. The handlebars are slightly lower, the seat is flatter, and the front wheel is smaller, which all help the bike feel more responsive when weaving through traffic or navigating tighter roads. It still holds its own on gravel or hard-packed dirt, but it’s not built for technical off-road riding. For riders who want something low-key and simple that still carries the adventure bike look, the Scram makes a lot of sense.

Specs:

• Engine: 411cc single-cylinder
• Weight: 407 lbs (wet)
• Seat Height: 31.2 in
• Wheels: 19-inch front, 17-inch rear
• Features: Analog-digital dash, Tripper navigation pod, long-travel suspension

10. Suzuki V-Strom 800DE

$11,709 MSRP

The V-Strom 800DE brings a more off-road-focused setup to a platform that’s typically leaned toward pavement. It runs on a 21-inch front wheel with Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour tires and uses Showa suspension that feels stable in loose terrain without getting too soft on the road. The new 776cc twin is smooth through the midrange and stays calm at cruising speeds. The seat has a flatter profile than earlier V-Strom models, which makes it easier to move around when standing up on the pegs. For riders who want something reliable, well-balanced, and genuinely capable off pavement, the 800DE fills the gap that earlier versions left open.

Specs:

• Engine: 776cc parallel twin
• Weight: 507 lbs (wet)
• Seat Height: 33.7 in
• Front Wheel: 21-inch spoked
• Features: Gravel mode, bi-directional quickshifter, adjustable suspension

11. Kawasaki Versys 650 LT

$10,099 MSRP

The Versys 650 LT isn’t pretending to be a trail bike, and that’s what makes it so appealing to a certain type of rider. It’s built for the road, with a smooth parallel twin, predictable handling, and a seating position that works well for long highway days. The windshield is adjustable, the saddlebags come standard, and the whole bike feels settled and easy to manage, even for newer riders. It has just enough ground clearance to handle occasional gravel or rough pavement, but it’s most comfortable when you keep it on the road.

Specs:

• Engine: 649cc parallel twin
• Weight: 483 lbs (wet)
• Seat Height: 33.1 in
• Wheels: 17-inch front and rear
• Features: ABS, standard luggage, adjustable windscreen

Best Adventure Bikes by Riding Style & Experience Level

Sometimes it helps to see the bigger picture after going through the details. If you’re in the middle of deciding which adventure bike is right for you, your decision will mainly rely on three things: how you ride, what kind of roads you actually enjoy, or how comfortable you feel with certain setups. Here’s a quick breakdown of bikes that stand out depending on what matters most to you:

• Best ADV Bikes for Off-Road Performance: KTM 790 Adventure, Yamaha Ténéré 700, BMW F 900 GS. 
• Best for Long-Distance Touring: Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer, Ducati Multistrada V2 Rally, Kawasaki Versys 650 LT. 
• Best Budget-Friendly Adventure Bikes: CFMOTO Ibex 800 S, Moto Morini X-Cape 650, Royal Enfield Scram 411. 
• Best for New Riders or Shorter Inseams: Honda XL750 Transalp, Kawasaki Versys 650 LT, Suzuki V-Strom 800 Tech. 

Everyone’s looking for something a little different, and there isn’t one bike that works across the board. Some riders care more about comfort on long rides, others want something they can feel confident on right away, and plenty fall somewhere in between. Before you land on a bike, it helps to ask a few questions that actually match how you ride:

• What kind of roads do I ride the most?
• Do I want something lighter and easier to move around, or am I comfortable with a bigger setup?
• Am I looking for a bike that can carry gear for longer trips?
• How often will I actually take it off-road?
• Do I want something ready as-is, or am I okay upgrading it as I go?

Browse Adventure Bike Rentals Before You Buy

If you’re still torn between a few models, renting one might be the easiest way to figure it out. Riders Share has the largest selection of adventure motorcycles across the country, so you can test ride options in your area without waiting on a dealership or locking into something that doesn’t feel right. Whether you’re debating between two sizes or trying to compare comfort on longer rides, spending a weekend on a real adventure bike rental can give you answers that spec sheets won’t. Get started by browsing adventure bike rentals near you!

New to Riders Share? Earn 20% When You Sign Up!

When you create an account with Riders Share, you’ll automatically get 20% off your first rental. Just sign up, search your area, and book the adventure bike rental you want to try out first.